BMW may still have the proverbial camouflage covers
on their new 8-Series, but today, they uncovered details on the M850i xDrive
Coupe.
Described as a perfectly harmonized package offering
“fascinating sportiness and supreme comfort,” the M Performance model will be
equipped with a “completely redeveloped V8 engine” that produces 530 PS and 750 Nm of torque. Despite having 68 PS and
100 Nm more power than its the 4.4-liter V8 in the 650i, the new
engine weighs the same.
The V8 will be connected to an improved eight-speed automatic
transmission which has an “expanded spread and further shortened shift times.”
It will send power to the ground through via a rear-biased all-wheel drive
which features an active locking rear differential.
BMW isn’t ready to share full specifications yet but
a previous report, which correctly predicted the model’s output, suggested the
car could accelerate from 0-100 km/h in less than four seconds. If
this number pans out, the M850i xDrive would be faster than the M6 Coupe which
required 4.2 seconds to complete the same task.
Regardless of how fast the coupe accelerates, the
M850i xDrive comes loaded with performance-oriented equipment. Notable
highlights include an integral active steering system and an adaptive M
suspension with active roll stabilization. BMW also says the model will have a
sports exhaust system that “authentically reflects the car’s power delivery.”
If that wasn’t enough features, the car has
electronically controlled dampers and a dynamic stability control system that
are “precisely oriented to the selected driving mode.” Speaking of driving
modes, BMW said the Sport and Sport+ settings will make the power delivery and
engine sound “become noticeably more dynamic.”
The 8-Series lineup is expected to be unveiled on
June 15th and the model will go on sale before the end of the year.
